Why?
George Winter.
Because with the general public nervous, I shall have to depend on Middlepool, and there I can only float it on my personal character.
Catherine.
I’m afraid you’ll think it very selfish, but I haven’t any more power of self-sacrifice in me.
George Winter.
If the Campo del Oro is a failure, it’ll knock down all the other companies I’m connected with. The Lewishams will seize the opportunity to make a raid on me. I’m standing on the edge of a precipice, and anyone who cares to give me a shove will send me over.... It’ll mean your father’s ruin and mine—I dare say you don’t mind that—but it’ll also mean the ruin of thousands of poor investors all over the country. Three-quarters of the population of Middlepool will lose their savings.
Catherine.
You’ve lied to me so often, George.
George Winter.